Modular building system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a modular building system for configuring a building structure. The modular building system includes a foundation member, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and a roofing member. The foundation member has a plurality of engaging members that engages with a plurality of complementary engaging members of wall members. The foundation member and the wall members are detachably attached as the engaging members and the complementary engaging members engage to each other and create a space with a top opening. The adjacent wall members are attached by a plurality of the wall-retaining members. Further, the wall member includes a plurality of engagement members that engages with a plurality of complementary engagement members provided on the roofing member to detachably attach the plurality of engagement members on top portion of the plurality of wall members for covering the top opening, thereby configuring the building structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority under 35 United States Code,Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application numbered60/933,411 filed on Jun. 5, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular buildings, and moreparticularly, to structural elements for use in construction of themodular buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In present scenarios, the building construction field is generally laborand cost intensive. Construction of a building further requiresinvolvement of a considerable amount of time. To reduce the factors suchas labor, cost and time involvement in the construction of the building,prefabrication systems have been proven as one of the potentialsolutions. A typical prefabrication system involves prefabricatedstructures that are erected together to form a building structure.

Existing prefabrication systems fall into two major categories, namely,wood and aluminum frame prefabrication systems, and concreteprefabrication system. The wood and aluminum frame prefabricationsystems are limited to low density suburban housing and where groundconditions are stable and dry. The wood and aluminum frameprefabrication systems are not suitable to those areas where the groundconditions are erosive and wet. The wood and aluminum frameprefabrication systems involve wood and aluminum frame structures and afoundation on which a building structure is formed by erecting the woodand the aluminum frame structures. The wood and aluminum framestructures and the foundation are generally light-weight. In case of theground conditions being erosive and wet, light-weight foundation of sucha building structure may not withstand and may result in collapsing ofthe building structure, thereby resulting in injuries to individualsliving in the building structure. Further, the concrete prefabricationsystem is more appropriate for urban buildings due to fire andstructural safety requirements.

These prefabrication systems have not been exploited to a great extent.More specifically, these prefabrication systems are exploited incommercial construction sectors of industry, but in case of residentialconstruction sector of the industry, their use is very limited. Most ofthe prefabrication systems include structural systems such as, walls andfloors, which do not solve architectural design needs of users. Inaddition to not being user or market oriented to any substantial degree,these prefabrication systems tend to be costly, require expensiveerection and dismantling cost. Due to these reasons, such prefabricationsystems have been unsuitable for applications in both commercial andresidential construction sectors.

Apart from the above, building structures made by such prefabricatedstructures suffer from several disadvantages, such as cracking due toinclement weather conditions, which result into wear and tear to thebuilding structures and often lead to leaks, creaks and structuraldamage. Further, inadequate and ineffective insulation to noise, heatand cold is one of the major problems in such building structures. Also,existing designs of such building structures are generally of atemporary nature and may not be easily customized to meet requirementsof change in sizes and places of the building structures.

Furthermore, the portability of such prefabricated structures can beanother problem because of their weight, complexity of structure and thedanger of rupture of the prefabricated structures while transporting.The prefabricated structures are often required in areas whereaccommodation is needed in an emergency or on a temporary basis, such asin natural disasters areas, refugee camps and military bases.Oftentimes, such prefabricated structures need to be rapidly transportedand erected to provide emergency habitable structures within a requiredtime. Such prefabricated structures may not be easily and quicklyerected to meet demands for such structures without a great deal ofmanpower, within the required time.

Accordingly, there is a need for prefabricated structures that can beused in dry as well as in wet and erosive ground conditions. Further,there is a need for all-purpose prefabricated structures that can beexploited by both the residential and commercial construction sectors ofindustry. Furthermore, there is a need for prefabricated structures thatmay be easily erected and dismantled. The prefabricated structuresshould also be reconfigurable to meet requirements of changes in size orplace of a building structure, and should also meet requirementsdepending on need of long-term or permanent applications. Theprefabricated structures should also be readily transportable. Moreover,the prefabricated structures should further be capable of withstandingpoor weather conditions and of providing insulation to noise, heat andcold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, thegeneral purpose of the present invention is to provide prefabricatedbuilding structures such as a modular building system for configuring abuilding structure that is configured to include all advantages of theprior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular buildingsystem that may be utilized for constructing buildings for residential,commercial and emergency accommodation purposes, in areas such as,coastal areas, suburban housing areas and urban buildings areas.Further, the modular building system may be utilized to constructbuildings independent of the nature of ground.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular buildingsystem that may be easily erected and dismantled, and may becustomizable to meet changing requirements in size and needs oflong-term or permanent applications of buildings, or places of thebuildings.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modularbuilding system that may be able to withstand poor weather conditionsand may provide insulation from noise, heat and cold.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modularbuilding system that may be readily transportable.

To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, amodular building system for configuring a building structure isprovided. The modular building system comprises a foundation member, aplurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and aroofing member. The foundation member has a plurality of engagingmembers. Further, each of the plurality of wall members has a pluralityof complementary engaging members on a bottom portion and a plurality ofengagement member on a top portion. The complementary engaging membersenable the wall members to be detachably attached to the foundationmember by engaging with the engaging members. The attachments of thewall members and the foundation member configure a space therebetweenabove the foundation member with a top opening. Furthermore, theplurality of wall-retaining members is adapted to be detachably attachedwith the plurality of wall members. Each of the plurality ofwall-retaining members is detachably attached to the foundation member.More particularly, each of the plurality of wall-retaining membersextends vertically from a top surface of the foundation member, andbetween at least two adjacent wall members of the plurality of wallmembers for configuring a detachable attachment therebetween. Further,the roofing member having complementary engagement members is adapted tobe detachably attached to the plurality of engagement members of theplurality of wall members providing for covering the top opening toconfigure the building structure.

These together with the other aspects of the present invention, alongwith the various feature of novelty that characterized the presentinvention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexedhereto and form a part of the present invention. For a betterunderstanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, andthe specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made tothe accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there areillustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likeelements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a building structureconstructed by a modular building system, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the building structure of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively illustrate a top view and a crosssectional view of a foundation member of the modular building system,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of an anchoring pin, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate perspective views of holding pins, accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a wall member of the modularbuilding system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a sectional view of the wall member along X-X′;

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of an insertion plug, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D illustrates a front view of an inner wall panel of the wallmember, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of a groove cover, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4F illustrates a front view of the groove cover covering a grooveof the inner wall panel, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a dual wall-retaining member,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of a dual wall-retaining memberof FIG. 5A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5C illustrates a sectional view of the dual wall-retaining memberalong Y-Y′, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5D to 5G illustrate top views of various types of wall-retainingmembers, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top assembled view of different types ofwall-retaining members and wall members, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a roofing member of themodular building system, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a triangular roof section,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7C to 7F illustrate various parts of the roofing members,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 7G to 7I illustrates various types of attaching members providedon the roofing members, according to alternate embodiments of thepresent invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the descriptionof several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is tobe made to the following detailed description, including the appendedclaims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although thepresent invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments,the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specificforms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions andsubstitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances maysuggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover theapplication or implementation without departing from the spirit or scopeof the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The term “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer” and thelike, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but ratherare used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and“an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotethe presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a modular building system for configuringa building structure for residential, commercial and emergencyaccommodation purposes. The modular building system comprises aplurality of modular structures, such as a foundation member, aplurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and aroof members that are assembled together to configure the buildingstructure that may be used as residential and commercial purpose in caseof emergency as well as a permanent shelter. Further, the buildingstructure may be disassembled back into the plurality of modularstructures, and may be transported to required construction locations.

The modular building system for configuring the building structure, suchas a building structure 1000 is shown in FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modular buildingsystem for configuring the building structure 1000 (hereinafter referredto as “building 1000”) comprises a foundation member 100, a plurality ofwall members, such as wall members 200, a plurality of wall-retainingmembers, such as wall-retaining members 300, and a roofing member 400.The wall members 200 may be cut to configure at least one opening, suchas an opening “A”. The opening “A” provides entrance into the building1000. Further, the wall members 200 may be cut to configure at least oneopen space, such as an open space “B”. The open space “B” is provided tomaintain proper ventilation within the building 1000. The opening “A”and the open space “B”, respectively are illustrated for exemplarypurposes and it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that thebuilding 1000 may include various such openings and open spaces forproviding entrance and ventilation. The opening “A” and the open space“B” may be closed by a door “D” and a window “W”, respectively.

The modular building system used in the construction of the building1000 may be understood with the help of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 represents anexploded view of the building 1000. The foundation member 100 comprisesa foundation base 102 and a foundation floor 104. Further, thefoundation member 100 may also comprise a weighting material 106 forproviding weighting to the foundation member 100. Further, thefoundation member 100 is anchored by a plurality of anchoring pins, suchas anchoring pins 500. The detailed description of the foundation base102, the foundation floor 104, the weighting material 106 and theanchoring pins 500 is provided in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C.

The foundation member 100 comprises a plurality of engaging members 108utilized to detachably attach the foundation member 100 to the wallmembers 200. Each of the wall members 200 comprises a plurality ofcomplementary engaging members 202. The complementary engaging members202 of a wall member 200 enable the wall member 200 to be detachablyattached to the foundation member 100 by engaging with the engagingmembers 108 thereon. When the wall members 200 are attached to thefoundation member 100, a space (not shown) with a top opening (notshown) is created therebetween. The wall members 200 and thecomplementary engaging members 202 are further described in detail inconjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B. The wall members 200 attached on thefoundation member 100 may be detachably attached by the wall-retainingmembers 300. The wall-retaining member 300 is adapted to detachablyattach at least two wall members, such as the wall members 200. Thewall-retaining member 300 is also detachably attached to the foundationmember 100.

More particularly, the wall-retaining member 300 extends vertically fromthe foundation member 100 to the roofing member 400, and between atleast two adjacent wall members 200 for configuring a detachableattachment therebetween. The wall-retaining member 300 will be explainedin detail in conjunction with FIGS. 5A to 5G. Furthermore, the wallmembers 200 and the wall-retaining members 300 are tapped to thefoundation member 100 by a plurality of holding pins 600 and 620. Adetailed description of the holding pins 600 and 620 is further providedin conjunction with FIGS. 3D and 3E, respectively.

The roofing member 400 is detachably attached above the wall members 200to cover the top opening, thereby configuring the building 1000. Thedetailed description of the roofing member 400 is provided inconjunction with FIGS. 7A to 7I. Further, the modular building systemmay also comprise a foot section 700 that may be kept at the foundationfloor 104 at places, where the wall members 200 are cut for openings,such as opening “A” and open space “B”.

Referring now to 3A and 3B, a top view and a cross sectional view of thefoundation member 100, are shown, respectively, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, references aremade of FIG. 2 for the description of the foundation member 100. Withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, the foundation member100 is preferably of a square shape foundation member or a rectangularshape foundation member for configuring the building 1000, according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention. The shape of thefoundation member 100 as shown in FIG. 3A is for exemplary purposesonly, and should not be contemplated as limiting.

The foundation member 100 comprises the foundation base 102 and thefoundation floor 104. The foundation base 102 includes a firstprojecting portion 110 that is substantially thick. The first projectingportion 110 extends vertically upward from a periphery of the foundationbase 102 in a manner such that a cavity 118 is formed therebetween asshown in FIG. 3B. The first projecting portion 110 includes a pluralityof through holes such as a through hole 112 (hereinafter referred to as‘hole 112’). The hole 112 extends from a top surface 114 to a bottomsurface 116 of the first projecting portion 110. The hole 112 is capableof receiving the anchoring pin 500 as shown in FIG. 2. The anchoring pin500 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 3C. The placement andnumber of holes, such as the hole 112 as illustrated in FIG. 3A, is forpurpose of understanding only, and may not considered as limiting toonly as illustrated in FIG. 3B. It will be evident to a person skilledin the art that the holes may be configured at suitable positions on thefirst projecting portion 110, extending from the top surface 114 to thebottom surface 116. Further, a lesser or greater number of holes may beconfigured than the hole 112 shown in the FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, the anchoring pin 500 is represented. Theanchoring pin 500 may be made of materials including, but not limitedto, high density polyethylene (HDPE). The anchoring pin 500 isconfigured such that it may pass through the hole 112 into the ground.In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3C, theanchoring pin 500 includes a head area 502 and a tail area 504. The headarea 502 is substantially thicker than the tail area 504. The head area502 includes a tapping cap 506 at a top portion thereof. The anchoringpin 500 is inserted into the hole 112 from the tail area 504. Theanchoring pin 500 may be inserted into the hole 112 by using a mallet(not shown) or a pin awl (not shown) until a portion of the tail area504 is inserted into the ground, and the tapping cap 506 rests on thefirst projecting portion 110 to anchor the foundation base 102 into theground. The inserted portion of the tail area 504 provides stableanchoring to the foundation base 102.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the cavity 118 is provided toreceive the weighting material 106, which provides extra weight andstability to the foundation base 102. The weighting material 106 may beany heavy material such as gravel, sand, dirt, cement, water, and thelike. In one embodiment, the weighting material 106 may be placed intothe cavity 118 to provide extra weight to the foundation base 102 tokeep the foundation base 102 in place. The weighting material 106 may beused in conjunction with the anchoring pins 500 or in lieu of theanchoring pins 500 in places where the ground conditions are too wet orsoggy for the anchoring pins 500 to be effective.

The weighting material 106 is either placed or not placed in the cavity118, depending upon the nature of the selected ground. The cavity 118needs to be closed for providing suitable flooring to the foundationbase 102. The foundation floor 104 is provided on the foundation base102 in a manner such that the foundation floor 104 covers the cavity118. The foundation floor 104 may be provided over the foundation base102 in a variety of manners. In one embodiment of the present invention,a second projecting portion 120 is formed adjacent to the firstprojecting portion 110. More specifically, the second projecting portion120 extends vertically upward from the foundation base 102, and further,extends horizontally adjacent to the first projecting portion 110 forconfiguring a channel 122 therebetween. Further, the foundation floor104 includes a projecting member 124 extending vertically downward froma periphery of the foundation floor 104. The projecting member 124 isadapted to snugly fit into the channel 122 providing covering to thecavity 118, thereby configuring the foundation member 100.

Further, the engaging members 108 as described herein above are providedon the top surface 114 of the first projecting portion 110. The engagingmembers 108 are capable of detachably attaching to the wall members 200.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the engaging members 108 are aplurality of recessed indentations provided on the top surface 114 ofthe first projecting portion 110. Each of the plurality of recessedindentations is spaced apart from one another on the top surface 114 ofthe first projecting portion 110. In another embodiment, the engagingmember 108 may be a teethed prolongation that may be provided on the topsurface 114 of the first projecting portion 110.

Further, the foundation member 100 comprises a plurality of retainingrecesses, such as a retaining recess 128 provided at each corner of thesquare-shaped or the rectangular shaped foundation member 100. Moreparticularly, the retaining recess 128 is provided on each corner of thetop surface 114 of the first projecting portion 110. The retainingrecess 128 is capable of receiving a portion of the wall-retainingmember 300 for detachably attaching the wall-retaining member 300 to thefoundation member 100. The detachable attachment of the wall-retainingmember 300 with the foundation member 100 is further described inconjunction with FIGS. 5A to 5G.

Furthermore, the foundation member 100 includes a longitudinal throughhole 130 (hereinafter referred to as ‘hole 130’) extending along alength of the foundation member 100. More particularly, the hole 130extends from one corner portion of the first projecting portion 110 toanother corner portion of the first projecting portion 110. Theplacement and number of holes, such as the hole 130, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, are for the exemplary purposes only, and should not beconsidered as limiting. It will be evident to a person skilled in theart to rearrange the placement of the holes 130, and utilize a lesser orgreater number of holes 130 depending upon the requirement. The hole 130is capable of receiving the holding pins 600 and 620. The holding pin600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted in the hole 130, when thewall members 200 fit onto the foundation member 100. A perspective viewof the holding pins 600 and 620, are respectively shown in FIGS. 3D and3E, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theholding pins 600 and 620 may be preferably made of material including,but not limited to, rigid HDPE (high density polyethylene).

Referring specifically to FIG. 3D, the holding pin 600 includes a headarea 602 and a tail area 604. The head area 602 includes O-rings 606 aand 606 b, and a snap knob 608 disposed therebetween. Similarly, thetail area 604 includes O-rings 610 a and 610 b and a snap knob 612disposed therebetween. Each of the O-rings 606 a, 606 b, 610 a and 610 bis a loop of an elastomer with a round (O-shaped) cross-section. Theholding pin 600 is inserted into the hole 130 from the tail area 604 byusing a mallet (not shown) or a pin awl (not shown) until the O-rings606 a, 606 b, 610 a and 610 b, and the snap knobs 608 and 612 sit in thehole 130, thereby engaging the wall member 200 and the wall-retainingmember 300 with the foundation base 102. More particularly, the O-rings606 a, 606 b, 610 a and 610 b, and the snap knobs 608 and 612 arecompressed to sit into the hole 130 for configuring a proper assembly,and creating a seal therebetween, in order to provide a stableengagement between the foundation member 100 and the wall member 200.

Similar to the holding pin 600, the holding pin 620 includes a head area622 and a tail area 624 as shown in FIG. 3E. The head area 620 includesO-rings 626 a and 626 b, and a snap knob 628 disposed therebetween.Further, a tapped cap 630 is disposed perpendicular to the head area 622at an end of the holding pin 620, as shown in FIG. 3E. Similar to thehead area 622, the tail area 624 includes O-rings 632 a and 632 b and asnap knob 634 disposed therebetween. Each of the O-rings 626 a, 626 b,632 a and 632 b is a loop of an elastomer with a round (O-shaped)cross-section. Similar to the holding pin 600, the holding pin 620 maybe inserted into the hole 130, from the tail area 624. The holding pin620 may be inserted into the hole 130 by using a mallet (not shown) or apin awl (not shown) until the O-rings 626 a, 626 b, 632 a and 632 b, andthe snap knobs 628 and 630 sit in the hole 130, and the tapped cap 630rests on a side portion of the foundation base 102.

In one embodiment of the present invention, for engaging the foundationmember 100 and the wall members 200, two of each of the holding pins 600and holding pins 620 are utilized. More specifically, two of the holdingpins 600 are inserted completely into any two alternate holes 130 forconfiguring the stable engagement between the foundation member 100 andcorresponding two wall members 200. Further in remaining two alternateholes 130, two of the holding pins 620 are inserted for configuring thestable engagement between the foundation member 100 and remaining twowall members 200. The engagement of the wall members 200 and thefoundation member 100 by the holding pins 600 and 620 is furtherdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 4A to 4C.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, wherein FIG. 4A particularlyillustrates perspective view the wall member 200, FIG. 4B particularlyillustrates a cross sectional view of the wall member 200 along X-X′,and FIG. 4C particularly illustrates an insertion plug 228 of aplurality of insertion plugs 228. The wall member 200 further comprisesa pair of wall panels 204 and 206, the complementary engaging members202 and a plurality of engagement members 208. The wall panels 204 and206 are disposed parallel to each other. Further, the wall panels 204and 206 are coupled together to configure a double-paneled wallstructure with a clearance space 212 therebetween. The wall member 200has a top portion 214, a bottom portion 216, and vertical side portions218 and 220. The engagement members 208 are provided on the top portion214. In one embodiment, the engagement members 208 are particularlyrecessed indentations. Further, the top portion 214 includes a throughhole 222 (hereinafter referred to as ‘hole 222’) extending horizontallyfrom one end portion to another end portion, in a manner such that thehole 222 passes through each of the engagement members 208. The hole 222is capable of receiving the holding pins 600 and 620 for engaging thewall member 200 with the roofing member 400. The engagement of theengagement members 208 with the roofing member 400 using the holdingpins 600 and 620 is described further in conjunction with FIGS. 7A to7I.

Further, the complementary engaging members 202 are provided on thebottom portion 216 of the wall member 200. In one embodiment, thecomplementary engaging members 202 are a plurality of teethedprolongations. Each of the complementary engaging members 202 includes athrough hole 224 (hereinafter referred to as ‘hole 224’) extendinghorizontally along each of the complementary engaging members 202. Thehole 224 is capable of receiving the holding pins 600 and 620 forengaging the wall member 200 with the foundation member 100. Theengaging members 108 of the foundation member 100 are adapted to beengaged with the complementary engaging members 202 for verticallydisposing the wall member 200 onto the top surface 114 of the foundationmember 100. The engagement of the foundation member 100 and the wallmember 200 by engaging the engaging members 108 and the complementaryengaging members 202 enables the hole 130 and the hole 224 to align witheach other. In one embodiment, the alignment of the hole 130 and thehole 224 provide a passage (not shown) that allows the holding pins 600or 620 to pass therethrough, thereby providing stable engagement betweenthe foundation member 100 and the wall member 200. The holding pin 600is inserted by using a mallet (not shown) and a pin awl (not shown)until the O-rings 606 a, 606 b, 610 a and 610 b, and the snap knobs 608and 612 sit in the passage. Similarly, the passage provided by thealignment of the holes 130 and 224 also allows the holding pin 620 topass therethrough in a similar fashion. As described in conjunction withFIGS. 3D and 3E, the holding pins 600 and 620 are inserted in adjacentpassages created by joining the holes 130 and 224. It will be apparentto those skilled in the art that a plurality of wall members, such asthe wall members 200 may be detachably attached to a foundation member,such as the foundation member 100 by using a plurality of holding pins600 and 620. Further, the wall member 200 is detachably coupled to theroofing member 400 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 7A to 7I.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the wall panel 204 is a flat outer wallpanel (hereinafter referred to as “outer wall panel 204”) and the wallpanel 206 is a flat inner wall panel (hereinafter referred to as “innerwall panel 206”). The outer wall panel 204 includes a plurality ofthrough holes, such as through holes 226 (hereinafter referred to as‘holes 226’). In one embodiment, the holes 226 are adapted to provide apassage to fill the clearance space 212 with an insulation material (notshown). The insulation material may be materials such as foam, cotton,and the like. The insulation material is filled into the clearance space212 using the plurality of insertion plugs, such as the insertion plug228 as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4C illustrates the insertion plug 228, according to an embodimentof the present invention. The insertion plug 228 includes a first endportion 228 a, a second end portion 228 b, and a rod member 228 ctherebetween. The second end portion 228 b is of substantially conicalshape that facilities the insertion plug 228 to fill the insulationmaterial into the clearance space 212 through the holes 226. Further,each of the holes 226 is sealed using the insertion plug 228. The firstend portion 228 a and the rod member 228 c of the insertion plug 228 areinserted into each of the hole 226, and the second end portion 228 b mayrest outside of the outer wall panel 204, thereby providing sealing toeach of the holes 226. The structure of the insertion plug 228 asdisclosed hereinabove is for purpose of understanding of sealing of theholes 226, and filling the clearance space 212. However, it will beevident to a person skilled in the art to use any other mechanism knownin the art to use for sealing through holes, such as the holes 226, andfilling a clearance space, such as the clearance space 212. The fillingof the clearance space 212 with the insulation material provides asignificant insulation to the building 1000 from outside environmentalconditions such as, heat, cold and sound.

A front view of the inner wall panel 206 of the wall member 200 is shownin FIG. 4D. The inner wall panel 206 includes a plurality of grooves,such as grooves 230. The grooves 230 extend vertically on the inner wallpanel 206 with a substantial space therebetween. In an embodiment, thegrooves 230 include a plurality of pair of protrusions, such as a pairof protrusions 232, extending from various positions of peripheries ofthe grooves 230. In one embodiment of the present invention, the grooves230 are capable of incorporating home appliance, such as plumbing-unitand electric wiring, cabinets, fixtures, closets, counters, and thelike. The grooves 230 may be covered by a plurality of groove covers 234(see FIG. 4E) for safety and security from the electric wiring and theplumbing-unit. An exemplary representation of the groove cover 234covering the groove 230 of the inner wall panel 206 is represented inFIG. 4F.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the design of thegrooves 230 and the groove cover 234 may be modified, depending upon thenature of the plumbing-unit, electric wiring and other home appliances.Further, the grooves 230 are capable of incorporating the fixtures andthe cabinets depending upon requirements of the individuals living inthe building 1000. Grooves, such as the grooves 230 are capable ofconfiguring the cabinets and the closets inside the building 1000. Morespecifically, the cabinets or the closets may be especially designed toinclude engaging means at their back side. The engaging means may beengaged within the grooves 230 to provide support to the cabinets or theclosets onto the inner wall panel 206.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, a wall-retaining member, such asthe wall-retaining member 300, is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A represents a top view ofthe wall-retaining member 300, the FIG. 5B represents an explodedperspective view of the wall-retaining member 300, and FIG. 5Crepresents a cross sectional view of the wall-retaining member 300 alongY-Y′. Herein, references will be made of the previous figures todescribe the configuration and functioning of the wall-retaining member300. The wall-retaining member 300 comprises a plurality of panels, suchas panels 302, 304 and 310 disposed on a spine 306. The panels 302 and304 configure a slot 308 therebetween. Similarly, the panel 310 and thepanel 304 configure a slot 312 therebetween. At least one of the panels,such as the panel 302 and the panel 310 are detachably attached to thespine 306, whereas the panel 304 may be permanently fixed to the spine306 in order to configure the slots 308 and 312. For detachableattachment of the panel 302 and the spine 306, the spine 306 includes aplurality of recesses 314, equally spaced apart from each other andprovided on a surface 316 of the spine 306. Further, the panel 302includes a plurality of protruded members 318. The recesses 314 arecapable of receiving the protruded members 318, thereby engaging thepanel 302 to the spine 306 and configuring the slot 308 between thepanel 302 and the panel 304.

Similarly, the spine 306 includes a plurality of recesses 319 equallyspaced apart from each other on a surface 320 of the spine 306. Further,similar to the panel 302, the panel 310 includes a plurality ofprotruded members 322. The recesses 319 are capable of receiving theprotruded members 322, thereby engaging the panel 310 to the spine 306and configuring the slot 312 between the panel 310 and the panel 304.

In one embodiment, the recesses 318 and 319 are L-shaped recesses, andthe protruded member 318 and 322 are also L-shaped protruded membersthat respectively act as female and male members. The wall-retainingmember 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, is particularly a dualtype of wall-retaining member that has two slots 308 and 312. Each ofthe slots 308 and 312 are capable of receiving a portion of the wallmember 200. More particularly, each of the slots 308 and 312 are capableof receiving vertical side portions, such as the vertical side portion218 or 220 (see FIG. 4A) of the wall member 200. Therefore, thewall-retaining member 300 is capable of attaching two wall members suchas the wall members 200.

Further, the wall-retaining member 300 includes a retaining-recessedindentation 324 at a top portion 326, as shown in FIG. 5B. Through holes328 and 330 are provided on the top portion 326, and pass through theretaining-recessed indentation 324. Similarly, the wall-retaining member300 includes a retaining-teethed prolongation 332 at a bottom portion334. Through holes 336 and 338 are provided on the bottom portion 334,and pass through the retaining-teethed prolongation 332. Theretaining-teethed prolongation 332 fits into the retaining recess 128provided at each of the corner portion of the foundation member 100 forengaging the wall-retaining member 300 with the foundation member 100.

The wall-retaining member 300 is provided at each corner of thefoundation member 100 in a similar manner as described above. Therefore,the through hole 328 of each the wall-retaining member 300 is aligned tothe hole 222 of the wall member 200, and the holding pin 600 or theholding pin 620 may be inserted within aligned holes 328 and 222.Similarly, the through holes 330 of each the wall-retaining member 300is aligned to the hole 222 of the wall member 200, and the holding pin600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted within aligned holes 330 and222. Similarly, the through holes 336 and 338 align with the holes 224of the wall member 200 and the hole 130 of the foundation member 100.Further, holding pins 600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted withinaligned holes 336, 224 and 130, and aligned holes 338, 224 and 130.

The wall-retaining member 300 as illustrates in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, isparticularly a dual type of wall-retaining member having two slots 308and 312, which are capable of receiving a portion of the wall member200, thereby detachably coupling two wall members 200. For erecting morethan the two such wall member 200, various other wall-retaining members,such as a triple wall-retaining member 340 member, a quadruplewall-retaining member 350, and the like may be used. Further, two wallmembers 200 may also be connected in a straight line by using a straightwall-retaining member 360.

FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F, respectively, illustrate top views of the triplewall-retaining member 340, the quadruple wall-retaining member 350, andthe straight wall-retaining member 360. The triple wall-retaining member340 is capable of receiving three wall members, such as the wall members200 between the slots 342, 344 and 346. Similarly, the quadruplewall-retaining member 350 is capable of receiving four wall members,such as the wall members 200 between the slots 352, 354, 356 and 358.Furthermore, similar to the triple wall-retaining member 340 and thequadruple wall-retaining member 350, the straight wall-retaining member360 is capable of receiving two wall members, such as the wall members200 between the slots 362 and 364. Further, in FIG. 5G, according to analternate embodiment of the present invention, a dual wall-retainingmember 370 is illustrated. Similar to the wall-retaining member 300, thedual wall-retaining member 370 is capable of receiving two wall members,such as the wall members 200 between slots 372 and 374.

In FIG. 6, a top view of an assembled room configuration 2000 has beenillustrated, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The room configuration 2000 includes a plurality of wallmembers, such as the wall members 200 joined by a plurality ofwall-retaining members, such as the double wall-retaining members 300,the triple wall-retaining members 340, and the quadruple wall-retainingmember 350. The quadruple wall-retaining member 350 is provided atcenter to erect four wall members 200 that are supported by the triplewall-retaining members 340 at other ends. A triple wall-retaining member340 incorporates two wall members 200 opposite to each other.Furthermore, the dual wall-retaining members 300 are provided at thecorners of the assembled room configuration 2000 to engage the wallmembers 200 extending from the triple wall-retaining members 340,thereby engaging the wall members 200 and configuring the assembled roomconfiguration 2000.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a perspective view of a roof member,such as the roofing member 400, and a perspective view of a portion oftriangular roof sections, respectively, are illustrated, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The roofing member 400 isconfigured by coupling a plurality of triangular roof sections, such astriangular roof sections 402 a-d. The triangular roof sections 402 a-dare detachably coupled by using a plurality of attaching members. Theplurality of attaching means are particularly shown in FIG. 7B. Forexample, an attaching member 404 a is provided on a side surface 404 a ₁of the triangular roof section 402 a, and an attaching member 404 b isprovided on a side surface 404 b, of the triangular roof section 402 b.

The triangular roof sections 402 a and 402 b are attached by theattaching members 404 a and 404 b for configuring a section of theroofing member 400. The attaching member 404 a includes a rubber sealingstrip 406, a grooved section 408 and a tapered cut portion 412 above therubber sealing strip 406. Each of the rubber sealing strip 406, agrooved section 408 and a tapered cut portion 412 extends longitudinallyalong the surface 404 a ₁. Similarly, the attaching member 404 bincludes a rubber sealing strip 414, a grooved section 416 and a taperedcut portion 418, extending longitudinally along the side surface 404 b,of the triangular roof section 402 b.

The rubber sealing strip 406 of the triangular roof section 402 a isconfigured to be received into the grooved section 416 of the triangularroof section 402 b, and the rubber sealing strip 414 of the triangularroof section 402 b is configured to be received into the grooved section408 of the triangular roof section 402 a. Therefore, the triangular roofsections 402 a and 402 b may be joined as shown in FIG. 7C. FIG. 7C is aside view the triangular roof section 402 a and the triangular roofsection 402 b in a joined position.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the tapered cut portions 412 and 418 of thetriangular roof sections 402 a and 402 b, respectively, combine to forma cut portion 420 substantially similar to an arrow head. The cutportion 420 is capable of incorporating a weather stripping 422, therebyproviding covering to the joining. Similar to the triangular roofsections 402 a and 402 b, the triangular roof section 402 c and 402 dincorporate similar attaching member, and are joined in similar fashion.Further, weather stripping 422 is joined in similar fashion as describedabove for weatherproofing and waterproofing. Further, the triangularroof section 402 a and the triangular roof section 402 d, and thetriangular roof section 402 b and triangular roof section 402 d arecoupled to form the roofing member 400. Joining the triangular roofsections 402 a-d configure the roofing member 400 having a substantiallydome-shaped structure with an apex opening 426 as shown in FIG. 7D.

A covering to the apex opening 426 is provided by at least one coveringmember, such as a covering member 428 as shown in FIG. 7F. The coveringmember 428 is a pyramid-shaped apex covering member, according to anembodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the coveringmember 428 is securely fastened into the apex opening 426. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7F, the covering member 428 includes a topportion 428 a, a block 428 b and a bottom portion 428 c. The block 428 bis placed between the top portion 428 a and the bottom portion 428 c. Onfastening the covering member 428 into the apex opening 426, the block428 b and the bottom portion 428 c sit into the apex opening 426, andthe top portion 428 a provides covering to the apex opening 426. Thecovering member 428 provides sealing to the apex opening 426, making theroofing member 400 weatherproof and waterproof.

The roofing member 400 is detachably coupled to the wall members 200 byusing a plurality of complementary engagement members, such ascomplementary engagement members 403 as shown in FIG. 7B. Moreparticularly, the complementary engagement members 403 are configured ata bottom portion 424 (shown particularly in FIG. 7E) of thesubstantially dome-shaped structure. The complementary engagementmembers 403 are capable of being engaged with the engagement members 208provided on the top portion 214 of the wall member 200. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the complementary engagementmembers 403 are a plurality of teethed prolongations, and the engagementmembers 208 are a plurality of recessed indentations (see FIG. 4A). Itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the complementaryengagement members 403 may also be the plurality of recessedindentations and the engagement members 208 may be the plurality ofteethed prolongations.

Furthermore, similar to the holes 130 as shown in FIG. 3A, longitudinalthrough holes 430 (hereinafter referred to as ‘holes 430’) are providedon the complementary engagement member 403. The holes 430 are capable ofreceiving a plurality of holding pins, such as the holding pins 600 and620. The holding pin 600 or the holding pin 620 is configured topenetrate in the holes 222 and 430 in an engaged state of the engagementmember 208 and the complementary engagement member 403. Herein theengaged state refers to a state where the engagement member 208 and thecomplementary engagement member 403 are engaged such that the holes 222and 430 are aligned in one horizontal line. Therefore, by inserting theholding pins 600 or the holding pin 620 into the holes 208 and 430provides a stable attachment between the roofing member 400 and the wallmembers 200.

Further, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, theattaching member 404 a and 404 b may be as shown in FIGS. 7G, 7H and 7I.In FIG. 7G, a side view of a triangular roof section 440 with anattaching member 442 is shown. In this embodiment, the attaching member442 is received into a similar shaped grooved section (not shown) in anadjoining triangular roof section (not shown) in order to attach thetriangular roof section 442 and the adjoining triangular roof section.Further, in another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.7H, a side view of a triangular roof section 450 having an attachingmember 452 is shown. In this embodiment, the attaching means 452 sitsinto a similar shaped grooved section (not shown) in an adjoiningtriangular roof section (not shown).

Furthermore, in FIG. 7I, a side view of a triangular roof section 460having an attaching member 462 is shown. The attaching member 462includes a rubber sealing strip 464 extending longitudinally along asurface 468 of the triangular roof section 460. Further, a tapered cutportion 470 is provided on the surface 468 extending longitudinallyalong the surface 468. The attaching member 462 is adapted to fit intoan opposite shaped grooved section (not shown) in an adjoiningtriangular roof section (not shown) to configure a roofing member, suchas the roofing member 400.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 7I, according to an embodiment, a buildingstructure, such as the building 1000 is substantially made of plastic.However, the building 1000 may also be made of material selected fromwood, metal, and the like. In making the building 1000 of plastic, thefoundation base 102 is anchored by the help of the anchoring pin 500 asdescribed hereinabove. Further, as per situational requirements, thecavity 118 may be filled to provide extra weighting to the foundationbase 102. Upon the cavity 118 being filled, or not being filled, as perthe requirement, the cavity 118 is covered by the foundation floor 104,thereby configuring the foundation member 100. Further, thewall-retaining members 300 are disposed into the retaining recesses 128provided at corners of the square-shaped or the rectangular shapedfoundation member 100 to join the wall-retaining member 300 withfoundation member 100. Further, the wall members 200 are disposed ontothe first projecting portion 110 of the periphery of the foundationfloor 100 to engage the engaging members 108 of the foundation member100 and the complementary engaging members 202 of the wall members 200,thereby configuring an engagement between the foundation member 100 andthe wall members 200.

Panels 302 and 310 are detachably attached to the spine 306 to supportthe wall members 200 to provide support to the wall members 200 on thefoundation member 100 and between the wall-retaining members 300.Further, the holding pins 600 or the holding pins 620 are inserted intoaligned holes, such as the holes 112 of the foundation member 100, theholes 224 of the wall members 200, and the through holes 336 and 338 ofthe wall-retaining member 300. The holding pins 600 and the holding pins620 provide a rigid engagement of the foundation member 100, wallmembers 200 and the wall-retaining member 300. Furthermore, the roofingmember 400 with the apex opening 426 is configured by attaching thetriangular roof sections 402 a-d. The roofing member 400 is furtherengaged to the wall members 200, by engaging the engagement members 208and the complementary engagement members 403. Further, the coveringmember 428 is provided on the apex opening 426, thereby closing the apexopening 426 for configuring the building 1000.

The building 1000 constructed by the modular building system may beeasily dismantled by removing holding pins 600 and 620, and anchoringpins 500 used in assembling of the building 1000. The disassembled partssuch as, the foundation member 100, the wall members 200, thewall-retaining members 300 and the roofing members 400 and other partsmay be easily transported from one place to the other place. Further,based on the need of the users of the building 1000, the size of thebuilding 1000 and the number of rooms in the building 1000 may becustomized based on using the various wall members 200 and the variouswall-retaining members such as, the dual wall-retaining member 300 and370, triple wall-retaining member 340, quadruple wall-retaining member350, and the like. The building 1000 constructed by the modular buildingsystem may be used on a long-term and permanent basis.

The modular building system of the present invention is advantageous inconstructing buildings for both residential and commercial purposes insuburban housing areas, urban buildings areas and disaster areas. Themodular building system may also be utilized to construct a buildingstructure in wet ground conditions. Further, the modular building systemmay be easily erected and dismantled. Furthermore, the modular buildingsystem is capable of providing insulation against noise, heat and cold,and is capable of withstanding in inadequate weather conditions.Moreover, the modular building system is easily and readilytransportable.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood thatvarious omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended tocover the application or implementation without departing from thespirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

1. A modular building system for configuring a building structure, themodular building system comprising: a foundation member having aplurality of engaging members; a plurality of wall members, each of theplurality of wall members having a plurality of complementary engagingmembers on a bottom portion and a plurality of engagement members on atop portion of each of the plurality of wall members, the plurality ofcomplementary engaging members enabling the plurality of wall members tobe detachably attached to the foundation member by engaging with theplurality of engaging members for configuring a space therebetween witha top opening; a plurality of wall-retaining members, each of theplurality of wall-retaining members capable of being attached between atleast two adjacent wall members of the plurality of wall members forjoining the at least two adjacent wall members; and a roofing memberhaving a plurality of complementary engagement members, the plurality ofcomplementary engagement members capable of being detachably attached tothe plurality of engagement member on the top portion of each of theplurality of wall members for covering the top opening.
 2. The modularbuilding system of claim 1, wherein the foundation member comprises: afoundation base comprising a first projecting portion extendingvertically upward from a periphery of the foundation base configuring acavity therebetween, the cavity capable of being filled by a weightingmaterial, the first projecting portion comprising the plurality ofengaging members; and a foundation floor adapted to be disposed on thefoundation base for covering the cavity.
 3. The modular building systemof claim 2, wherein the foundation base further comprises a plurality ofthrough holes configured on the foundation base, each of the pluralityof holes capable of receiving an anchoring pin to anchor the foundationbase.
 4. The modular building system of claim 2, wherein the foundationbase further comprises a second projecting portion extending verticallyupward from the foundation base, and extending horizontally parallel tothe first projecting portion, thereby configuring a channeltherebetween.
 5. The modular building system of claim 4, wherein thefoundation floor comprises a projecting member extending verticallydownward from a periphery of the foundation floor, the projecting membercapable of being received in the channel configured between the firstprojecting portion and the second projecting portion of the foundationbase.
 6. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof engaging members is a plurality of recessed indentations spaced apartfrom each other.
 7. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein eachof the plurality of wall members comprises a pair of wall panels havingan inner wall and an outer wall disposed parallel to each other andcoupled together to configure a double-paneled wall structure with aclearance space between the pair of wall panels, each of the pluralityof wall members having a top portion, a bottom portion and vertical sideportions, the top portion comprising the plurality of engagementmembers.
 8. The modular building system of claim 7, wherein theplurality of complementary engaging members is a plurality of teethedprolongations and the plurality of engaging members is a plurality ofrecessed indentations, each of the plurality of teethed prolongationsconfigured to be received into corresponding recessed indentation of theplurality of recessed indentations of the foundation member forvertically disposing each of the plurality of wall members on thefoundation member.
 9. The modular building system of claim 8, furthercomprising a plurality of holding pins, each of the plurality of holdingpins configured to engage the at least one engaging member and the atleast one complementary engaging member by penetrating in a longitudinalthrough hole configured on the foundation member and each of the atleast one complementary engaging member in an engaged state of the atleast one engaging member and the at least one complementary engagingmember.
 10. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the innerwall of the pair of wall panels comprises a plurality of grooves, theplurality of grooves capable of engaging to at least one home appliance.11. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the outer wall ofthe pair of wall panels comprises a plurality of holes to provide apassage to fill the clearance space by an insulation material.
 12. Themodular building system of claim 11, wherein the outer wall panelfurther comprises a plurality of insertion plugs to cover the pluralityof holes.
 13. The modular building system of claim 7, wherein the pairof wall panels has at least one opening for providing at least one of anentrance means and ventilation means for the building structure.
 14. Themodular building system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofwall-retaining members comprises at least two longitudinally extendingpanels attached in a manner to configure a slot therebetween, the slotcapable of receiving a vertical side portion of a wall member of theplurality of wall members.
 15. The modular building system of claim 14,wherein at least one of the two longitudinally extending panels isdetachably attachable to configure the slot.
 16. The modular buildingsystem of claim 8, wherein the roofing member further comprises: aplurality of triangular roof sections, each of the plurality oftriangular roof sections comprising the complementary engagement membersconfigured on a bottom edge of each of the plurality of the triangularroof sections; a plurality of attaching members, each of the pluralityof attaching members adapted to attach two adjacent triangular roofsections of the plurality of triangular roof sections to configure adome-shaped structure having an apex opening; and at least one coveringmember adapted to cover the apex opening, wherein the plurality ofattaching members detachably attach the plurality of triangular roofsections to configure the dome-shaped structure in a manner such thatthe plurality of complementary engagement members is capable of beingengaged with the engagement members on the top portion of each of theplurality of wall members.
 17. The modular building system of claim 16,wherein the plurality of complementary engagement members is a pluralityof teethed prolongations, and the plurality of engagement members is aplurality of recessed indentations, each of the plurality of teethedprolongations configured to be received into corresponding recessedindentation of the plurality of recessed indentations of the pluralityof wall members for engaging the roofing member to the plurality of wallmembers.
 18. The modular building system of claim 17, further comprisinga plurality of holding pins, each of the plurality of holding pinsconfigured to engage the at least one engagement member and the at leastone complementary engagement member by penetrating in a longitudinalthrough hole configured on the top portion of each of the plurality ofwall members and each of the at least one complementary engagementmember in an engaged state of the at least one engagement member and theat least one complementary engagement member.